After reading the thin model thread over in the history section of the Café, I thought I would bring up the cousin of that illusion, the Blade Box. I posted over there wondering where the Blade Box came from and though I should post here too. Also, by posting it here, it one more post towards my goal of outdoing the Carnival of Fun folks. The Owen's catalogue mentions that Selbit invented the Blade Box,but I would like to see if someone can back that up or put forth other origins. My historian friend Al Stencell has found a mention of a "chinese torture box" in a sideshow back in the 1880s. It's not clear if this was a Blade Box. Burling Hull put out plans for it, but is he the father of this thing? So, where did it come from?

Additionally I would like to know who came up with the original 'expose' for a ding...I know that was being done in the 50's but I'm sure it was much earlier when some genius figured out how much $ it could make.

Doug

yes...I'm following you.